TD becomes team NBA career leader in games, scoring in one fell swoop

Tim Duncan passed David Robinson twice in the same game on the Spurs’ career record list, becoming the franchise’s leader in games and scoring in NBA games.

When George Gervin’s ABA points are factored in, he’s still the leader in career scoring. But the NBA doesn’t recognize ABA statistics, giving Duncan the career honor.

By scoring 19 points at Utah on Nov. 19, Duncan topped Robinson’s mark of 20,790 points. In the same game, he played in his 988th career NBA game, topping Robinson’s previous mark of 987 games.

Those statistical honors were secondary to Duncan to his team’s 94-82 victory over the Jazz, which enabled them to improve to 10-1 for the season.

No. 6: Duncan becomes Spurs NBA career leader in points, games in victory over Utah.

When: Nov. 19, 2010.

Where: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City.

What happened: Tim Duncan scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Spurs to a 94-82 triumph over Utah. In the process, Duncan passed David Robinson as the franchise’s NBA career leader in scoring and games played.

What was said, Part I: “I wasn’t thinking about it too much. I think that was the best part about it — it just kind of happened,” Duncan on breaking the scoring record with two free throws with 5:28 left in the third quarter.

What was said, Part II: “You don’t notice him too much, but he had 19 (points) and 14 (rebounds). There’s no flash, no beating the chest. Just go up and down the court and go home and get a sandwich. That’s what he does,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, describing Duncan’s big game to reporters after the game.

What was said, Part III: “It does mean a lot to have come this far and do this much, especially knowing how much David has meant to the franchise,” Duncan, describing passing Robinson to the Express-News.

What was said, Part IV: “”I’m just happy for him. He’s been the driving force behind our championships and for him to have the record now for games played and points is appropriate, and I’m really excited for him,” Popovich, describing Duncan’s career feats.

GAME NOTES: Duncan’s achievements overshadowed a grinding victory over the Jazz, who played the game without then Coach Jerry Sloan. The veteran coach was missing as he attended a family funeral back home in Illinois and was replaced by lead assistant Phil Johnson. The Spurs jumped to an early lead before the Jazz rallied from a 15-point deficit to tie the score late in the third quarter. But the Spurs put the game away down the stretch as Duncan and Tony Parker combined for 10 fourth-quarter points. Parker led the Spurs in scoring with 24 points as five San Antonio players scored in double figures. Deron Williams led Utah with 23 points, but hit only 7-for-19 from the field. The victory enabled the Spurs to snap a five-game losing streak to the Jazz. San Antonio had a 46-31 edge in rebounding, including 16-6 in offensive rebounds.